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Sir Sadiq Khan has launched a full-blown attack on Westminster council’s licensing of the West End accusing it of putting the interests of a small number of residents ahead of attempts to make London’s nightlife the “best in the world”.
The London Mayor unleashed stinging criticism of the Tory-run council over moves to favour hospitality businesses which operate up until 10pm.
The clash comes just days after Sir Sadiq criticised proposals to discourage drinking by people standing up outside pubs and other licensed premises in Soho and the wider West End.
He is demanding that the council ditches both proposals and a wider policy under the West End Cumulative Impact Zone against normally granting new licences for pubs, bars, fast food premises and music, dance or similar entertainment venues apart from in limited circumstances.
Westminster council now has to consult City Hall over its licensing plans under the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026.
The London Mayor is not able to order the council to take particular action on licensing.
But in the autumn, subject to legislative changes, he will get the power to “call in” licensing matters.
In a letter to the council in response to its draft statement of licensing policy 2026, the Mayor said: “London’s bars, clubs, pubs, and live music venues are the beating heart of our global city, bringing communities together and filling our streets with life and laughter.
“The capital’s nightlife sector supports 630,000 jobs and contributes more than £21 billion to Britain’s economy every year.
“Yet, for too long, an outdated, inconsistent, and illogical licensing system has treated London’s nightlife like a luxury, rather than recognising it for the essential and extraordinary national asset it is.”
He accused Westminster of taking licensing decisions “skewed towards the interests of a handful of highly vocal residents and councillors, without giving enough weight to the effects” on London’s wider economy and culture.
He added: “Westminster’s proposed approach would, if adopted, undermine City Hall’s efforts, supported by London businesses and others, including UK Hospitality, the Night Time Industries Association and Music Venue Trust, to make London’s nightlife the best in the world.“